'The Chess Players' – Washington, D.C. - Atlas Obscura
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'The Chess Players'

Washington, D.C.

An eternal game of chess unfolds in John Marshall Park. 

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The Chess Players with chessboard "The Chess Players" by NCinDC is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0 (Creative Commons)
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Created in 1983, this sculpture depicts two players playing a friendly game of chess in John Marshall Park. The work of art was crafted by sculptor Lloyd Lillie.  

The player on the right, having captured the other player’s bishop, wears a sly smile as his opponent ponders his next move, unable to mask his consternation.

Lillie’s work appears in northern Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and numerous states across the United States. His pedigree included studies at numerous institutions, including the Corcoran School of Art in Washington D.C., and Boston University. 

Know Before You Go

The chessboard has been missing since at least 2015.

chess sculptures art
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